Electrical steering-gear



'(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 M. PF ATISOHER. ELECTRICAL STEERING GEAR.

No. 559,904. Patented Maj 12, 1896.

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{No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 2.

M. PPATISOHER.

ELECTRICAL STEERING GEAR.

No. 559,904. Patented May 12, 1896.

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. EH, C E 9 M5 Witnesses Inventor ANDREW EGRAIIAMLPRO'IOiRHuWASNI NGIOND C (No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 3.

M. PFATISOHER.

. ELECTRICAL STEERING GEAR. N0. 559,904. Patented May 12, 1896.

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ELECTRICAL STEERING GEAR.

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No. 559,904. Patented May 12, 1896.

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M. PFATISOHER.

ELECTRICAL STEERING GEAR.

o. 559,904. Patented May 12, 1896.

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(No Model.)

M. PFATISGHER. ELECTRICAL STEERING GEAR.

' Patented May 12, 1896 FIG-.6.

Inventor W am uit M fizzomey I EGRAHAM. PHMOUMO WASHINGTON. D C

IJNTTED STATES AT-ENT Fries.

MATHIAS PFATISCHER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

ELECTRICAL STEERING-G EAR.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 559,904, dated May 12,1896.

Application filed December 26, 1895. Serial No'. 573,330. (No model.)

To (LZZ/ 7.0700770 it floaty concern:

Be it known that 1, MArHIAs PFATISOHER, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus forControlling Steering- Gear for Ships or other Devices, of which thefollowin g is a description, referring to the 'aceompanying drawings,which form a part of this specification.

The object of my invention is to produce a simple, reliable, andeffective controlling apparatus for operating ships steering-gears andother devices with great ease and delicacy from a distance. By otherdevices to which my invention is applicable I include signal apparatusfor transmitting orders at a distance, devices for directing guns, andindeed all devices where it is desired to move and have absolute controlover the position of an apparatus or parts of apparatus at a distance.The power, whether steam, water, or electricity, which does the work iscontrolled by my electrical controlling system. The controlling systemis of so simple a 11ature that a single circuit from a handle by whichthe device is controlled to the engine, steeringgear, signal apparatus,or other mechanism which applies the power replaces the multiplicity ofcircuits heretofore found necessary. I am aware that single-wire signaland controlling systems have beenen1- ployed heretofore, but in quite adifferent manner from the system which forms my present invention.

This present invention is an improvement upon the invention described inmy pending application, Serial No. 560,448, filed August 24, 1895. Itsnature and its essential features will be clearly apparent from theaccompanying drawings and the following description.

In the drawings, Figure 1 shows in diagram my invention as applied to anelectricallyactuated stcering-gear, gun-mounting, or other adjustabledevice. Fig. 2 shows a modification of the invention as applied tosteamactuated mechanism. Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 show modifications of thesame.

Throughout the drawings like letters of reference indicate like orequivalent parts.

Referring to Fig. 1, B indicates the electric generator of the wholesystem. IVhere my invention is applied to steeringships that are lightedby electricity, this generator B will be the generator which suppliesthe lighting and other circuits. It may, however, be a separategenerator, if desired.

' O C are the mains from which the several circuits lead. I have forconvenience indicated that one is positive and the other negative,though of course I do not mean thereby to preclude the use ofalternating currents, if

it is desired to adapt the system to such cur rent.

At D is shown the controlling hand-switch, and at E a switch moving withsome part of the steering-gear, gun-mounting, signaling apparatus, orother mechanism to be controlled by the system. From the drawin an d thefollowing description it will be seen that the switch-arm E will becaused to follow the motions of p e. switch-arm D, and that as soon asthe switch-armD changes its position the switelrarm E follows to thecorresponding position, and the mechanism to which the switch-arm E isconnected is of course adjusted in a corresponding or proportionatemanner. The two switch-arms D and E are connected by the conductor F,which I will of fixed contacts 6 and cl, connected with subdivisions ofthe two sets of resistances e and d, connected across between the mains0.. From this it will be clear that no current will pass through thebalance wire or circuit F so long as the switch-arms D and E are uponthe contacts having equal potential. This is the normal condition of thecircuit F when the apparatus is at rest. If, however, the switch-arm Dis moved in one direction or the other onto the adjacent contacts, acurrent will flow through the circuit F in one direction or the other,corresponding to the move ment of the switch-arm D. By means of thiscurrent I control the adjusting apparatus for the ships rudder, gun,signal device, or other mechanism to be adjusted at m, and cause thesame to be adjusted until the arm E is turned to a contact 6 of equalpotential to that upon which the arm D rest-s, thereby causing theadjustment of the steering-gear, gun, signal device, or other mechanismto follow and be absolutely controlled by the motions of the arm D. InFig. 1 this is accomplished in the following manner: At J is shown asteam-engine driving the two armatures g and h of two generators G andII. An electric motor or other motor may of course replace thesteamengine J, as will be apparent from the other figu res of thedrawings. The field-magnet windings of the generator G are included inthe balance-circuit F, and the windings are so proportioned that thesmall current passing through the circuit F will strongly energize thesemagnets. This generator II is merely the exeiter of the generator G. his the eXeiter-circuit. At Z maybe included a rheostat or othercurrent-controller. The generator G supplies current to the armature 7cof the motor K by means of the circuit 70. Field-magnets of the motor Kare constantly energized from the mains by the circuit 7a. This motor Ksupplies the power which adjusts the steering or other mechanism by anydesired connection-such, for instance, as the worm and sector L. Forconvenience of illustration I have shown the rudder in dotted lines at Mand the rudder-post m, the worm and sec tor L directly turning therudder-post m and the switch-arm being mounted directly upon therudder-post. Of course these mechanical connections are diagrammatic anddo not represent the more complicated mechanism necessary to multiplyand apply the power in the most satisfactory manner to the rudder or tothe gun, signal device, or other mechanism or apparatus to be controlledand adjusted. It will now be seen from this figure of the drawings thatif the circuits are properly arranged, so that the currents will flow inthe right direction, the movement of the arm D will cause aproportionate movement of the rudder-post or shaft 072, which will bringthe switch-arm E to the position at which current through the balancecircuit F will cease. \Vhen a small current flows through thebalance-circuit F, it energizes the field-magnets of the eXci-ter IIsufficiently to strongly excite or saturate the field-magnets of thepowergenerator G. The current developed by the generator G drives motorK and adjusts the rudder, gun, or other adjustable mechanism until themovement of arm E stops the current flowing through the balance-circuitF and thereby instantly deenergizes the generators. In the remainingfigures of the drawings no eXciter II is used, but the circuit Fincludes field-windings of a small generator H, which generatessufficient current to move the valves of a steam-engine, the steamproviding the necessary energy for moving the rudder or other mechanismto be adjusted and restoring the switch-arm E to the position ofequilibrium or balance in the balancecircuit F. Throughout all thesefigures J indicates an electric motor energized from the mains O. Thismotor J takes the place of the steam-engine J of Fig. 1, and drives thegenerator H. In all these figures also the field-magnets of thisgenerator II are energized directly by the current flowing in thebalance-circuit F.

In Fig. 2 the current produced by the generator II is led through thecircuit 19 to an electrodynamic device P. The field-magnet of thiseleetrodynamie device maybe supplied from the mains through the windingsand connections 13, and the armature or movable member may be suppliedwith the current flowing in the circuit 1). Of course these relationsmay be reversed, and circuit 19 conneeted to the stationary part, whilep energizes the movable part of the electrodynamic device. Thiseleetrodynamie device P may be directly connected with and thereby movethe valve mechanism Q, for the steam, hydraulic, pneumatic, or otherpower employed to do the work of adjusting the steering-gear, gun, orother adjustable mechanism at m.

In Fig. 3 the motor J, the generator ll driven thereby, and the balancewire or circuit F and its connections are identical with Fig. 2, but theshaft of the motor J is mechanically connected to and turns the gearingwhich drives at a substantially constant speed the spur wheel or pinionR. In showing this feature diagrammatically I have had to show thepinion R both in side and in face view, so as to indicate in what mannerthe pinion R is utilized. The current from the generator 11, instead ofdirectly actuating the valves Q, drives the eleetrodynamic device Itaking current in the same manner as the electrodynamic device P alreadydescribed in connection with Fig. 2. This electrodynamic device I isconnected mechanically with the rotating pinion R in such a manner thatit can shift the position of the rotating pinion R and force it intoengagement with either of the opposing racks S S. These racks S S aremounted upon the valve-stem q, so that the engagement of the pinion Rwith the rack S will cause the valve-stem to move in one direction whilethe engagement of the pinion with the opposite rack S will cause anopposite motion. The details of the valves Q, are of course immaterial,but they should preferably be arranged to shut off steam and stop theengine as soon as the pinion R leaves the racks.

I have shown at T in Figs. 2, 3, l, 5, and 6 an arrangement of springsby which the valve is automatically returned to its central position tostop the steam-engine, ram, or other motor used to move the rudder, gun,or other adjustable mechanism. The details of these opposing and balancesprings will be apparent from these figures, especially Fig. 4, withoutfurther description. Of course any other equivalent device may be usedinstead. At

T in Fig. 3 I have shown a universal connection for the pinion R,whereby it may be continuously rotated and at the same time be laterallyadjustable, as described, by means of the eleetrodynamic device P.

In Fig. 4 I have shown a pinion R some- IIO what similar in function topinion R, but in this case acting directly upon a segmental rack U,which turns upon the center u and carries the projection u, providedwith a friction-roller, as shown. This projection 10' moves thevalve-stem q of the valve Q by means of the two opposing plates U. WVhenthe segmental rack U is turned to the right, it is clear that theprojection to is forced to the left, carrying with it the valve-stem qand moving the valve accordingly. The spring mechanism T will restorethe valve-stem q and valve to a central position as soon as the rack Uis free to return to its central or normal position, as shown in thefigure. The pinion R is rotated and caused to turn the rack U by meansof the motor or electrodynamie device P. One member of this motor orelectrodynamic device is energized from the mains and the other receivescurrent from the generator H. In other respects than those mentioned theapparatus and'connection's of Fig. 4 are the same'as those of 'Figs'. 2and 3.

In Fig. 5 an electro dynamic device P, supplied with current from thegenerator II, as in the other figures, is caused to turn a switch V, andthereby short-circuit one or the other of the two electromagnets orsolenoids V V which are supplied by current from the mains C C. Thesetwo magnets or solenoids V WV are connected in series and are wound andplaced to balance each other in their action upon the pivoted lever-armw, which may be connected directly to the valve-stem q, as shown. vVhenthe switch V is in its central position, as shown in the drawings, thetwo magnets or solenoids W W receive a certain amount of current inseries, but being sub stantially balanced the springs T keep the valveor valves Q, central. \Vhen, however, the movement of the switch Vshort-circuits one or the other of the windings of the solenoids IV \V,and thereby cuts out half the resistance in the solenoid circuit betweenthe mains 0, one solenoid becomes denergized, and the other receivestwice the energizingcurrent, causing it to throw the lever-arm w andactuate the valve Q in the proper direction to admitsteam, water, orother pressure to the engine, ram, or other motor which moves therudder, gun, or other adjustable mechanism at m. WVhen the switch-arm Eis again brought to a position to balance the electromotive forces inthe balance wire or circuit F, the motor II being deenergized, asalready described in connection with Figs. 1, 2, 3, and gallows theswitch-arm V to return to its central position under the action of itsspring 1*, thereby again balancing the magnets or solenoids \V NV andpermitting the springs T to restore the valves to their central positionand shut off steam, water, or other motive power.

In Fig. 6 a slight modification of Fig. 4 is shown, the difference beingthat the fieldmagnets of the motor J, which drives the generator H, andthe field-magnets of the electrodynamic device or motor P, which drivesthe pinion R, are combined into a single magnet energized by a singlecircuit across the mains C.

There are many other combinations which may be made, greatly simplifyingthe parts of my system; but I have not attempted to set these forth atlength, because the great number of arrangements which are possiblewithout in any way departing from the principles and mode of operationof my system are innumerable, and they would obscure rather than makeclear the more essential features of the invention. As an instance,however, it will be seen that the motor J and the generator II,connected by a common shaft, are in reality a motor generator, but thatthe field magnetism of the generator H is reversed by the movement ofthe switcharm D, and normally when the stearing-gear,

gun, or other mechanism is not being adjusted no current whatever flowsthrough the balance-circuit F, which energizes the field-magnets of thegenerator H.

I have not attempted to show the details of the steam-engine, hydraulicram, or other motive power used to adjust the rudder, aim the gun,set'the signal device, or operate the other adjustable mechanism towhich my electrical controlling system is applied, save in one instance,(shown in Fig. 1;) nor have I attempted in diagrammatically illustratingthe valve or valves Q of the steam, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other fluidpower to show the practical working details of such valves, for it isclear that these valves will be variously modified for different usesand the details are not pertinent to the present invention; I will,however, briefly describe the operation of the complete apparatus asillustrated in Fig. 1, and from this and the description of the otherfigures the dilferences in details and operation will be apparent.

In Fig. 1, let M be the rudder of a ship, which is attached and turnedby the shaft or rudder-post 777.. As shown, the rudder is intended to beamidships. If the controllinghandle D is moved to the left onto theadjacent contact (Z, it is clear that a current will flow from theswitch-arm D through the balance wire or circuit F to the switch-arm E.The passage of this current energizes the fieldmagnets of the exciter H,and thereby excites the field-magnet of the power dynamo G,

which provides electric energy for the rudderoperating motor K, causingit to turn in a direction to shift the arm E to the left. This actioncontinues until the switch-arm E comes onto a contact c correspondingwith the contact D upon which the switch-arm D rests, thereby restoringthe electrical balance in the balance-circuit F and bringing theadjusting action to an end. It will be seen that the none of the work.

field-magnets of the eXciter II, the exciter II producing the strongercurrent, which energizes the field-magnets of the power dynamo G. Theenergy developed in the exciter-circuit h comes from the steam-engine J,and the energy developed by the power dynamo G comes from the samesource and operates the motor K. In this respect all the forms of theinvention shown in the various figures of the drawings are similar. Inno instance is the balance-circuit F relied upon to do work or providethe motive power.

, In Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 the energy required to adjust the rudder,gun, signal, or other adj ustablc mechanism is provided by the steam,hydraulic, or other motor, and even the energy required to shift thevalve Q, is derived either directly from the mains, as in the case ofthe solenoids WV 7' in Fig. 5, or directly from the constant-speed motorJ, which turns the armature and thereby generates the current of thedynamo H, and which also in Fig. 3 supplies the mechanical power throughthe mechanical connections j r and the pinion R. In Figs. 4 and 6 thegenerator II, driven by the motor J, drives in turn the motor P, whichgives the mechanical power for shifting the valves, while in Fig. 2' thecurrent from the generator II operates an electrodynamic device, whichdirectly shifts the valves. In Fig. 3 the electrodynamic device P merelyapplies the mechanical power of the motor J to shift the valve, and inFig. 5 the electrodynamic device P shifts a switch, which applieselectric energy derived from the mains C to one or the other of the twosolenoids W IV, and thereby indirectly shifts the valves.

By employing the current which flows through the balance-circuit F as amagnetizing-current for a suitably-driven constantspeed dynamo orgenerator II, I produce a controlling-current, which may be fifty or onehundred times greater than the current which iiows in the balance wireor circuit F. Moreover, as it is clear that the current produced by adynamo, other things being equal, depends upon the strength of thefield, and as the strength of the field is varied but little by anincrease of the field-magnet current after the field-magnet becomessaturated I am enabled by my system to generate maximum current by meansof the generator I-I, even when the controlling switch-arm V has beenmoved but slightly from the position of balance-that is to say, if themovement of the switch-arm D through a quarter of the length of theresistance d is sufficient to nearly saturate the field-magnets of thegenerator II the current produced by this generator II will be verynearly as great as if the arm D had been moved a much greater distance.It will also be clear that if the number of turns and resistance of thefield-windings of generator II which are included in the balance-circuitF are large as compared with the resistances d and e a greater effectwill be produced in the circuit F with less waste of current, for thepassage of a large current through the circuit F tends to alter the relative potentials of the successive contacts (1 and eof the tworesistances d and c. All these matters will, however, be apparent to anyone versed in the art and are mere details rather than essentialprinciples of my invention. So also the various forms of electrodynamicdevices which may be employed may be greatly varied without in anywaydeparting from the principle of my system, and by electrodynamic I meanto include all forms of electric motors.

In the more generic aspect of my invention the switches and subdividedresistances D cl E c are to be regarded as two sources of variableelectromot-ive force included in a balance-circuit F and normallybalanced,

one of the said sources being manually controlled, as at D, and theother turning with and actuated by the rudder, gun, signal, or otheradjustable mechanism to which my controlling system is applied.Generator II, receiving its power from any suitable sourcesuch as thosewhich I have described-is excited by the current flowing in thebalancecircuit F, and thereby caused to send a current corresponding tothe direction in which the switch-arm D has been moved, but deriving theenergy from an entirely different source. The power which adjusts therudder, gun, signal, or other adjustable mechanism is derived from anysuitable electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, steam, or other source, and thecontrollingcurrent generated by means of the dynamo II serves to controland direct the application of such motive power.

Having now fully set forth my invention in some of its preferred forms,I claim as my own, and desire to secure by these Letters Patent of theUnited States, together with such modifications and variations as may bemade by mere skill in the art, the following:

1. The method of electrically controlling and adjusting from a distance,a ships rudder, gun, signal apparatus, or other adjustable mechanism, byintroducing into the field-magnet circuit of an electric generator, acurrent corresponding in direction to the deviation of the controllinghandle or device; causing the current thereby generated to control andapply the motive power for adjusting the said adjustable mechanism; andcausing such adjustment to introduce an opposing and equal electromotiveforce or current into the said balance circuit and thereby stop the saidadjustment, substantially as set forth.

2. In combination in a system for controlling the position of a rudder,gun, signal apparatus, or other adjustable mechanism (as at m) from adistance, and with suitable motive power for adjusting the saidmechanism, two or more sources of variable electromotive force, abalance wire or circuit F extending between the said sources, one of thesaid sources being manually controlled (as at D) and the other beingcontrolled (as at E) by the position of the said rudder, gun, signalapparatus, or other adjustable mechanism, a suitably-driven generator Hhaving its fieldcurrent supplied or controlled by the saidbalance-circuit F, and an electrodynamic device receiving current fromthe said generator and controlling the said motive power, substantiallyas set forth.

3. In combination .in a system for controlling the position of a rudder,gun, signal apparatus, or other adjustable mechanism (as at m) from adistance, and with suitable motive power for adjusting the saidmechanism, an electrical controlling device for the said motor, asuitably-driven generator H supplying current to the said electricalcontrolling device, a source of variable electromotive force included inthe field-circuit of the said generator H and manually adjustable as atI), a second source of variable electromotive force also included in thefield-circuit of the said generator H, and mechanical connectionsbetween the said rudder, gun, signal apparatus, or other adjustablemechanism and the said second variable electromotive force, forcontrolling it 5 whereby upon the adjustment of the first said variableelectromotive force the said rudder, gun, signal apparatus, or otheradjustable mechanism, will be adjusted by the said motive power tofollow the adjustment of the variable electromotive force, substantiallyas set forth.

4. In combination in a system for controlling the position of a rudder,gun, signal apparatus, or other adjustable mechanism (as at m) from adistance, and with suitable motive power for adjusting the saidmechanism, one or more sources of electric energy, the balance circuitF, a manually controlled switch (as at D) and connections forintroducing more or less electromotive force at will into the saidbalance-circuit F, the switch E and connections for introducing more orless opposing electrom otive force into the said balance-circuit, thesaid switch E cooperating with and being moved by the said rudder, gun,signal apparatus, or other adjustable mechanism, a suitably-drivengenerator H, the field-windings of which are included in the saidbalance-circuit F, and electricallyactuated controlling devices for thesaid motive power, receiving current directly or indirectly from thesaid generator H, substantially as set forth.

5. I11 combination with steering or other adj ustable mechanism andmotive power there for, an electrically-actuated controlling device forthe said motive power, a suitablydriven generator H supplying acontrolling or actuating current for the said electrically-actuatedcontrolling device, a source or sources of electric current (as C) abalance-circuit F, the current in which determines the fieldmagnetism ofthe said generator H, means for introducing at will into the saidbalancecircuit more or less electromotive force, and other means forintroducing into the said circuit an opposing or balancing electromotiveforce mechanically connected with and adjusted by the said adjustablemechanism, substantially as set forth.

6. lVith the steering or other adjustable mechanism, and with electricmains or other source of electric power, a motor supplied from the saidmains, a generator H driven thereby, an electrodynamic device (as P, P,P) receiving current from the said generator H, a balance-circuit Fincluding, or connected with, the field-windingsof the said generator H,a switch D adjustable at will to introduce more or less electromotiveforce into one end of the said balance-circuit F, a second switch Emechanically connected with the said steering or other adjustablemechanism and adjustable therewith to introduce more or less opposing orbalancing electromotive force into one end of the said balancecircuit F,motive power for the said steering or other adjustable mechanism, andcontrolling mechanism for the said motive power mechanically connectedwith the said electrodynamic device, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, at Philadelphia,Pennsylvania, this 24th day of December, A. D. 1895.

MATI-IIAS PFATISCHER.

